Kirby (カービィ, Kābī) is the main character of the Kirby series. He was created by Masahiro Sakurai, who also created the Super Smash Bros. series and helped develop Kid Icarus Uprising. The series has been running for two decades, and nearly thirty titles have been released under Kirby's name, most of which are developed by HAL Laboratory Inc.

Contents

Character description

Kirby's round pink form is only 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) in height (though in his appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series, also created by Sakurai, his dimensions are obviously enlarged).

Kirby is a resident and the consistent hero of the yellow star-shaped planet Pop Star. He can inhale forcefully, allowing him to swallow enemies in front of him and copy their abilities to fight back (known as a copy ability). He can also store the air he inhales, making himself large and puffy, enabling him to float around. He can also store the air and spit out something that can damage enemies. His species, of which himself, Keeby, and Meta Knight (although the latter is unconfirmed) are the three most prominent individuals, is not officially named, outside of the vague "citizens of Dream Land", which does not reveal his species, but is most commonly referred to as "Kirbys".

As a playable character

He is known for his great recovery, quick attacks, his awesomely fast up tilt, and surprisingly long-range aerials, all of which place him rather high in the original game's Tier list. His trademark move is Swallow, which allows him to suck in enemies and emulate their neutral B attacks.

In-game description

The 8-inch high Kirby hails from a distant, peaceful star. Like his simplistic appearance, he is an easily-understood character. True to his instincts, Kirby eats when he gets hungry and sleeps as soon as he grows tired. Nevertheless, Kirby remains a formidable opponent. In addition to his distinct flying and swallowing skills, he also has the ability to copy enemy attacks for ever-changing action.

As a playable character

In this game, Kirby receives a redesign along with new attacks that includes the Hammer Special Move as his new forward special move, and is still a floaty, lightweight character that can jump five times in midair. However, Kirby has been severly nerfed, losing most of his power, speed and range compared to his appearance in the original Super Smash Bros. He currently ranks 26th on the tier list, being the lowest ranked character in the game.

Trophies

Kirby is the most extensively represented character in Melee trophies: In addition to having his set of three trophies earned through single player modes, there are five trophies named "Kirby Hat" that provide information about the powers he gains with his in-game Swallow ability. See Kirby Hats (SSBM).

Kirby

The Kirby Trophy

A denizen of the far-off, peaceful planet Pop Star, Kirby became a citizen of Dream Land after defeating King Dedede. Even though he's only about eight inches tall, Kirby is an extremely skilled technician. He has the ability to absorb the powers of his enemies, and his elastic body makes him a versatile adventurer.

Kirby's Dream Land [8/92]

Kirby [Smash]

Kirby's small size lets him dodge many attacks, but his light weight makes him fly far when struck. Using his ability to inflate, he can jump five times. His Swallow attack creates wild combos; not only can he copy foes' moves, but he'll also put on special hats and mimic their voices. His Hammer is unwieldy but powerful.

Because of his light weight, Kirby is always in danger of being sent flying, but his ability to puff up and fly allows him to come back from amazing distances. His Final Cutter strikes on the way up and on the way down, and it sends out a beam of force upon landing. Kirby transforms into various objects and crashes down when he uses his Stone technique.

There are also trophies depicting Kirby in various guises he has taken in Kirby games:

Ball Kirby

When Kirby swallows a ball enemy, he turns into a ball and can bounce off of floors and walls. It's tough to control, but well worth it for the strong attack power it gives Kirby. After his debut in Kirby's Adventure, Ball Kirby has popped up in several more Kirby games, such as Kirby's Pinball Land and Kirby's Block Ball.

Kirby's Adventure, 5/93

Fighter Kirby

The Fighter Kirby Trophy

Kirby dons a warrior's headband and becomes a fierce fighter when he swallows an enemy skilled at physical attacks. Fighter Kirby uses many colorful punching and kicking moves as he overpowers his enemies with his sparring skills. The Vulcan Jab is just one of the many techniques Kirby can use thanks to his copying power.

Kirby Super Star, 9/96

Fire Kirby

The Fire Kirby Trophy

When Kirby swallows a fire-wielding enemy, he transforms into Fire Kirby. Not only does he breathe fire in this form, but he can also sprout flames on his entire body and damage enemies by crashing into them. Fire Kirby wears the bright red headdress of his enemy Burning Leo. The hat turns into a helpful weapon when thrown.

As a playable character

Kirby returns for his third appearance in the Wii version of the Smash series. He was revealed in all trailers for Brawl before its release (also being the only character who didn't undergo drastic changes in graphics, as shown by the trailers), and was confirmed on the official website on June 7, 2007. He rounds out the roster again as a starter character, and is finally not the sole representative character for his series with the inclusion of King Dedede and Meta Knight. He is significantly faster and stronger and has greater range. It may seem that he is now a lot closer to his N64 glory days in Brawl than he was in Melee as his reach, speed, power, combo ability and aerial mobility have all been improved. His Inhale (Swallow in Melee) has also been improved as it now has a vacuum effect, improving its range, and now can swallow items, although sucking in explosives will hurt him.

Along with the rest of the returning playable characters from Melee, Kriby received a Final Smash in this game. Called Cook Kirby, the move allows Kirby to cook opponents and items, and then send opponents flying and release new items.

Trophies

Many of Kirby's forms are made into trophies in Brawl.

Kirby

A round, pink ball of cuteness from a distant, peaceful star. He can swallow anything with his gigantic mouth, then spit it out as ammo. He has the handy ability to copy powers and use them as his own. His hovering ability lets him fly through the air with ease. He's so round, he's sometimes treated like a ball.

Kirby in a jester cap...and a supercute Kirby at that. Beam Kirby features a Beam ability, acquired by inhaling Waddle Doo, that allows him to shoot a whiplike beam at his enemies. With a wide attack range, this ability is extremely easy to use, especially for taking out enemies in bunches. In Kirby Super Star, this beam can also be charged and fired.

Kirby's Adventure

Kirby: Squeak Squad

Needle Kirby

A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a spiked enemy. When attacking, the needles on Needle Kirby's body extend, giving him a porcupine-like look. This ability provides both offensive and defensive measures against nearby enemies. Plus, needles which extend on Kirby's underside when jumping eliminate any threats on landing.

Kirby's Adventure

Kirby: Canvas Curse

Sword Kirby

A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a sword-wielding foe or a sword itself. Doing so provides Kirby with a rapid sword slash, a jumping sword spin, or even the energy-beam blast of the Final Cutter. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that this is the #1 Copy Ability in terms of accessibility.

Kirby's Adventure

Kirby: Squeak Squad

Sleep Kirby

Kirby after he copies the ability to sleep peacefully. Kirby takes on this form when he inhales Noddy or other such enemies. Kirby cannot move at all while sleeping, so extra care should be taken not to use this ability when enemies are near. Kirby, in his slumber, tends to drool, and in his panicked awakening, isn't it cute how he forgets to wipe off the drool?

Kirby's Adventure

Kirby: Squeak Squad

Wing Kirby

Kirby when he inhales a winged enemy and copies its flying ability. This ability can be used to proceed through strong winds that would otherwise be too tough to overcome. Wing Kirby can also perform a plethora of attack moves, such as the Bomber Head, where Kirby dive-bombs onto enemy heads.

Kirby Super Star

Kirby Air Ride

Fighter Kirby

Kirby when he is skilled in martial arts, especially close-quarters combat. Inhaling brawny challengers like Knuckle Joe will transform Kirby, allowing him to use a bunch of fight moves like Rising Break, the heroic uppercut. His Mega Power Shot in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, which used charged energy to take out faraway enemies, is another Fighter Kirby highlight.

Kirby Super Star

Kirby: Canvas Curse

Fire Kirby

Kirby when he inhales an enemy who uses fire. Shooting fire from his mouth, Fire Kirby can cook enemies from afar. This ability also allows Kirby to light explosive blocks, fuses, and so on. In Kirby Super Star and Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Fire Kirby can roll his burning body into enemies as an attack move.

Kirby Super Star

Kirby: Canvas Curse

Ice Kirby

Kirby when he copies an enemy with chilly abilities. Ice Kirby can blow an icy wind from his mouth and freeze enemies solid. These frozen enemies can then be knocked into other enemies as an additional means of attack. These blocks are not only effective against enemies but can also be used on terrain such as magma or water.

Kirby Super Star

Kirby: Canvas Curse

Plasma Kirby

Kirby when he inhales Plasma Wisps, which glow with a neon green flame. Plasma Kirby can charge the plasma strength up to a maximum level of 5. In Kirby Super Star, your attack--be it a Plasma Laser or a Plasma Wave Cannon--varies with the length of time you charge it.

Kirby Super Star

Kirby Air Ride

Tornado Kirby

Kirby when he inhales enemies that fly around like twisters through the sky. When in tornado form, Kirby can spin freely through the air for short amounts of time, clearing out groups of enemies. Tornado Kirby will continue spinning and bouncing violently off of obstacles until he comes to a stop. One drawback of Tornado Kirby is the control difficulty.

As a playable character

Kirby returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, and has some minor changes in his moveset. His Hammer attack has been replaced with a similar move called Hammer Flip, which is a chargeable attack that deals more damage the longer it's charged. Additionally, his Final Smash was changed to Ultra Sword.

Trophies

Kirby

Round little Kirby lives on the peaceful Planet Popstar, in Dream Land. He can inhale things with his big mouth, either copying their abilities or spitting them out again. In Smash Bros., Kirby can inhale opponents and copy their standard specials. He gets launched easily but recovers well.

Kirby's Dream Land (08/1992)

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Kirby (Alt.)

Holding the special button and left or right will charge up Kirby's Hammer Flip attack. Charging too long hurts Kirby! The hammer strikes twice in the air, but landing the single blow on the ground is more powerful. Kirby's up special Final Cutter slices up and down, firing a shock wave upon landing.

Kirby's Dream Land (08/1992)

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Plasma Kirby

What does the aurora borealis have in common with lightning? Plasma! And what does Plasma Kirby have in common with them? Hrm. Maybe that was too easy... Anyway, Plasma Kirby can build up plasma using the +Control Pad and fire it with the B Button. You can look up more about plasma if you want, but firing plasma is what's important here.

Sword Kirby

That green cap sure does make Kirby look heroic, doesn't it? Maybe wearing it just inspires Kirby, but while he's wearing it, he gets all kinds of neat moves, like Spin Slash, Multisword Attack, and Sword Dive. He's even able to pull off these moves in the air, on the ground, or underwater!

Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

Kirby: Triple Deluxe (05/2014)

Beam Kirby

Waddle Doo can fire beams from his eye. Does that make you green with envy? Then inhale him and copy that ability! You'll then be able to shoot beams from a wand, and the attack can even be charged up for greater effectiveness. You can also use a beam to push switches or to grab and toss your foes.

Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Fire Kirby

When Kirby first copied the Fire ability he was only able to breathe fire. Nowadays, he can do all sorts of neat things! For example, he can engulf himself in flames and roll forward, burning grass, lighting fuses, melting ice, and so on. What we'd really like him to do, though, is help us make the perfect s'more. Mmmmm.

Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Ice Kirby

The perfect ability to copy in the summer--Kirby gains freezing breath when he copies the Ice ability. Enemies frozen by his arctic blasts can be launched at other foes too. Perfect for a tough fight or when you need some ice for your iced coffee. Kirby isn't busy saving Dream Land or anything...

Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Needle Kirby

Kirby normally looks as tasty as a big ol' marshmallow, but he's significantly less appetizing when he's copied the Needle ability. Those pokey spikes won't add any flavor at all. With this ability, Kirby can bash into enemies or launch the spikes at them. A great, easy-to-use ability!

Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

Kirby: Triple Deluxe (05/2014)

Tornado Kirby

Who needs hats when you can have an actual tornado coming out of your head? That's our Kirby -always the trendsetter. And with the Tornado ability, he can go one step further, turning his whole body into a cyclone to go on a wild rampage. His rapid spinning isn't exactly easy to control, but that's all part of the fun!

Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Mike Kirby

Curious what Kirby's singing voice sounds like? Then track down and inhale Mr. Tick-Tock or a Walky! Kirby can copy the Mike ability and then use a mike or megaphone to really let 'er rip. Sometimes he sounds as cute as he looks, but he can also hit those low notes when he wants to rock.

Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Sleep Kirby

You don't get to see sleeping heroes very often. They're so busy rescuing princesses or saving the world, they just don't have time for a little nap. Not so with Kirby! The moment he inhales the snooze-prone enemy Noddy, he pops on his sleeping cap and dozes right off. Ah, Kirby, what dreams might you be having today?

Kirby's Adventure (05/1993)

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Bomb Kirby

When he copies the Bomb ability, Kirby gets to don a stylish hat just like Poppy Bros. Jr. The hat's appearance varies a little from game to game, but the ability itself is always pretty much the same: pull out a bomb, throw it, BOOM! Careful, though--if you hang on to the bomb for too long, you'll go BOOM yourself!

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Kirby: Triple Deluxe (05/2014)

Fighter Kirby

"Show me your moves!" Wait-that's not Kirby's line! Regardless, he's really fired up and ready to become a fighting machine with that red headband. He knows the basics, like kicking and tossing, but he can also muster his fighting spirit to blast distant foes.

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Wing Kirby

Kirby doesn't need to copy abilities to bop through the air, but actually having wings gives his aerial skills a definite boost. They even let him use some extra attacks, like the acrobatic Shuttle Loop and the mighty Condor Head. He can also fire at foes with his Feather Gun! Thought Kirby was just a squishy puffball? Surprise!

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Ninja Kirby

Making his debut in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, the Moonja enemy looks about as ninja as you can get. If you copy its ability, Kirby can become a master of the ninja arts! With a variety of useful skills like Knife Throw and Blossom Storm, you might want to remain a ninja forever!

Kirby Super Star (08/1996)

Kirby's Return to Dream Land (10/2011)

Trivia

Kirby uses a different dash attack in each of the first three Super Smash Bros. games. In the original Super Smash Bros., he performs a slide tackle. In Melee, he performs "Burning Kirby" (an ability seen in some Kirby games, and merged with the Fire ability in others), while in Brawl, he performs Yo-yo Kirby's "Break Spin" from Kirby Super Star. The Break Spin also returns as Kirby's dash attack in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS & Wii U.

In Brawl, Kirby can inhale Meta Knight and King Dedede and copy their special moves. In Kirby's own series he cannot inhale bosses (except mini-bosses once they're weakened).

Kirby's movesets are derived from the various copy abilities he could acquire. As such, Kirby's moveset in the Super Smash Bros. series is a merger of several abilities, though he has no hat to start with.

The specific abilities that have been represented in his normal moveset (excluding neutral B attacks) are Yo-Yo, Burning, Fighter, Suplex, Ninja, Cutter/Sword (depending on game), Hammer, Stone, and Cook.

Based in this principle, the Smash ability in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror is a merger of moves from several abilities, as it is actually a scaled down version of Kirby's Melee moveset. He uses all his specials (except Inhale), as well as his neutral ground attack and neutral aerial.

The Smash ability returns in Kirby: Planet Robobot, now named the Smash Bros. ability. Many of Kirby's attacks remain the same with the exception of Hammer, which is now chargeable, a new Forward Smash move, and a new shield which resembles the red shield in the Smash Bros. series. This shield makes Kirby invincible to all attacks and does not shrink over time.